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Family Mediation Information & NewsWhat Does a Family Mediator Do?
As an experienced family mediator, I have witnessed first-hand how mediation can transform conflict into cooperation, enabling families to resolve disputes amicably without the need for costly and stressful court proceedings. In this article, I will provide an...
What is a 16.4 Guardian?
A 16.4 Guardian refers to a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) guardian appointed under Rule 16.4 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010. This provision allows the court to appoint a Children’s Guardian to represent and safeguard the...
New Rules Enhance Transparency in Family Courts
Starting early next year, journalists and legal bloggers will be permitted to report on family court cases across England and Wales, following new rules approved by the Ministry of Justice. This initiative aims to increase transparency within the family justice...
Rise of ‘Sovereign Citizen’ Ideology Disrupts Family Court Custody Disputes
During the pandemic, Alia’s* former partner began sending her “long-winded rants” via text message, asserting that COVID-19 was a hoax and that stay-at-home orders were unlawful. He took their children to anti-lockdown protests and shared what she later recognised as...
Family Mediation Week 2025: Promoting Dialogue, Resolution, and Positive Change
Family Mediation Week 2025 is set to take place from 27th to 31st January 2025, offering a dedicated platform to raise awareness about the benefits of mediation in resolving family disputes. Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), this annual event highlights...
Family Courts Prioritise Domestic Abuse Allegations Over ‘Parental Alienation’ Claims
Family courts in England and Wales are now advised to prioritise allegations of domestic abuse over claims of ‘parental alienation’, according to new guidance from the Family Justice Council. This advisory body, comprising senior judges, lawyers, and experts,...
Family Lawyers Anticipate Extended Wait for Divorce Law Reforms
Family law practitioners in England and Wales are preparing for a protracted period before witnessing substantial reforms in divorce legislation. The Law Commission is set to publish a scoping paper on 18 December 2024, reviewing the laws governing financial remedies...
Family Mediation: An Underutilised Resource
Stephen Burke, the newly appointed Chair of the Family Mediation Council (FMC), has emphasised the underutilisation of family mediation services in the UK. Despite its proven benefits, family mediation remains relatively unknown among the public. Burke, who began his...
Rise in MIAMs and Mediation Starts: An Overview
Recent data from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) indicates a significant increase in the number of Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and mediation starts in the latest quarter. This surge reflects growing awareness and utilisation of alternative...
Embracing Non-Court Dispute Resolution in Family Law: New Rules and Their Impact
The landscape of family law in the UK has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the Family Procedure (Amendment No 2) Rules 2023, which took effect on 29 April 2024. These amendments aim to enhance the use of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR)...
